Method for dynamically allocating controlling and self- assigning of addresses in a network

ABSTRACT

An apparatus an method for dynamically allocating, controlling and self-assigning addresses in a network for protecting circuit loads. The loads to be protected are powered through load outputs in a master Point-Of-Use (POU) module and the load outputs of one or more slave Point-Of-Use (POU) modules. These load outputs are microprocessor controlled and linked to Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) modules. All of these modules are microprocessor programmable and addressable and connected in series network branches that contain a master Point-Of-Use (POU) module&#39;s control signal output with serially connected slave Point-Of-Use (POU) and remote access switch (RAS) modules. At configuration power start up, the master Point-Of-Use (POU) module assigns ID No. 0 to itself and starts issuing additional identification designations to the module that is physically connected to its output and subsequently issuing identification designations to the rest. Then, the switch elements of the Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) modules are actuated and linked with the load outputs of the master Point-Of-Use (POU) module first, and then to the different load outputs of the slave Point-Of-Use (POU) modules. A load output may be linked to more than one switch element, if desired, to achieve three or multiple way switching. The master and slave Point-Of-Use (POU) modules remember the linkage arrangement information from each of the modules, so that when one of the modules fails or is replaced, the replacement module installed in the network will learn the functions of the defective module from the remaining master or slaves and can take over the assignments of the defective missing module.

OTHER RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/924,413, filed on Aug. 24, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for dynamically allocating controlling and self-assigning of addresses in a network, and more particularly, to those that include at least two Point-of-Use (POU) modules, one master and one slave, for controlling the switching of loads with at least one Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) module.

2. Description of the Related Art.

To the best of applicants' knowledge, there are no other network devices or methods that permit the self-allocation of addresses and control that can survive the removal from operation of one or more Point-Of-Use (POU) modules (but less than all) and all Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) modules that comprise the network. Additionally, and in conjunction with the teachings of the parent application, the resulting network permits the use of POU modules that are interchangeable and intelligent enough to relearn the characteristics of the loads they are controlling.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a an apparatus and method for connecting at least one master Point-Of-Use (POU) module that is programmable and at least one addressable Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) module in a network that are programmable and linked to each other retaining the ability to accept interchangeable module replacements.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus and method for connecting at least one master Point-Of-Use (POU) modules and at least one Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) module in a network. Optionally, slave POU modules can be used to control RAS modules. The invention keeps the address and control hierarchy of each other even if all RAS modules, and all POU modules, except the master POU module, are removed from the network.

Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing a sample network of Point-Of-Use (POU) modules and Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) module with the master Point-Of-Use (POU) module 20′ at the end of a daisy-chain network connected to slave Point-Of-Use (POU) modules 20.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing another sample network configuration with the master Point-Of-Use (POU) module 20′ with two input/output ports, one OUTPUT 1 to one branch starting with a slave POU 20 and OUTPUT 2 connected to a Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) module 40 representing the other branch.

FIG. 3 is a representation of one of the possible embodiments for the configuration wire circuit used to enable the serially connected modules to accept the identification designations issued by the master POU module.

FIG. 4 is an algorithm representation of the method steps used to set up a network of POU and RAS modules.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral 10, it can be observed that it basically includes a network of interconnected Point-Of-Use (POU) slave modules 20, master modules 20′ and Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) modules 40. POU modules 20 and 20′ each include, in the preferred embodiment, four load outputs for controlling loads of different types (resistive and reactive). Modules 20 and 20′ are capable of recognizing the characteristics of the load, as described and claimed in the parent application. Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) module 40 includes, in the preferred embodiment, four switches 41; 42; 43; and 44 to activate load outputs 21′; 22′; 23′; and 24′ in master modules 20′ and then outputs 21; 22; 23; and 24 in any slave module 20. Modules 20, 20′ and 40 also have microprocessor circuitry with storage and memory. Each slave Point-Of-Use (POU) module 20 and each Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) module 40 further include one LIN (local interface network) In/Out port. The master Point-Of-Use (POU) module 20′ has at least one LIN (local interface network) control signal in/out 1 port, and optionally additional in/out ports (in/out 2, in/out 3, etc.) can be added according to the number of branches of the network. In FIG. 2, a master POU 20′ with two in/out ports is shown. The POU master module 20′, POU slave modules 20, and the RAS modules 40 are daisy chained to each other, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 through cable 50.

Cable 50 connecting LIN in/out 1 port in master POU module 20′ (ID 0) as shown in FIG. 1, to RAS modules 40 (ID Nos. 6 through X) and slave POU modules 20 (ID 1 through X) and so on, includes four wires in the preferred embodiment. Two wires provide the power and the ground. One of the other two wires is the LIN signal wire with bidirectional communication capabilities. The fourth wire is the configuration wire. The LIN signal wire is a bidirectional, single-ended communication medium that carries system commands and responses to all devices within the LIN network. The configuration wire carries a signal in open collector state which is brought to a logic LOW state by the preceding device after a POU or RAS module has claimed its unique network ID designation in conjunction the “GET MODULE MODEL” message. FIG. 3 shows one way of implementing the configuration wire circuit. If there are two branches, as shown in FIG. 2, then a second (in/out 2) port is used in master module 20′. Master modules 20′ or slave modules 20 can be connected to the network contiguously or separately from each other (RAS modules can be connected between POU modules). Master modules 20′ differ from slave modules 20 in that the former, at configuration power up, assigns itself a unique master network identification number (ID) (for example, ID No. 0). Only one Master POU module 20′ is used per network. Another difference between a Master POU module 20′ and a slave POU module 20 is that after the former assigns itself a unique master ID number No. 0, it first requires all slave POU modules in the network to claim ID numbers in an ascending order depending on how far down stream they are connected to the master POU in/out 1 port. If the network includes two branches, then in/out 2 port of master POU 20′ is connected to the remaining slave POU modules 20 not connected to the master module 20′ in/out 1 port to receive unique ID numbers from the master module 20′ in an ascending order depending on how far down stream they are connected to in/out 2 port. But the POU slaves in the network connected to in/out 2 port will receive their ID numbers only after all POU slaves connected to in/out 1 port have received their unique ID numbers. If there were additional branches, then additional in/out X ports would be needed, one for each branch.

For the purpose of simplifying the present explanation, the master POU module 20′ ID will be No. 0, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Slave modules 20, at configuration power up, wait for a signal from an upstream module that will allow them to claim an ID. The slave module 20 that is connected first downstream from master module 20′ in/out 1 port picks up ID No. 1, the next one No. 2 and so on. In the preferred embodiment, the applicants have set a maximum of one master POU module 20′, five slave POU modules 20, and ten RAS modules 40 in a network. This is an application for controlling loads, and these arbitrary numbers of modules have functioned reliably without significant delays in communication while providing rapid powering up of the loads modules. Thus, the slave POU module 20 will have ID numbers 1 through 5 and the RAS modules 40 will start at ID number 6 and end at ID number 15, in this example. Having this pre-assigned groups of ID numbers permits the sequential assignment of ID numbers to either modules 20 or 40. The software in the master POU module 20′ updates its counters for the ID claimed by modules 20 and 40.

In a similar manner RAS modules 40 receive unique ID numbers from the master module 20′ first in an ascending order depending on how far down stream they are connected to the master module 20′ in/out 1 port. The remaining RAS modules 40 not connected to the master module 20′ in/out 1 port receive unique ID numbers from the master module 20′ in the in an ascending order depending on how far down stream they are connected to in/out 2 port. The RAS module 40 that is connected first downstream from master module 20′ in/out 1 port picks up ID No.6, the next one No. 7 and so on (see FIG. 1). In FIG. 2, no RAS modules 40 are connected to master POU module 20′ in/out 1 port. Therefore, they receive unique ID numbers from the master module 20′ in/out 2 port in the in an ascending order depending on how far down stream they are connected to in/out 2 port.

After this, a user activates switch members 41; 42; 43; or 44 of any RAS module 40 in the network. That switch now is linked to load output 21′ of master module 20′ ID No. 0. The next switch activated on any RAS module 40 in the network is linked to load output 22′ of module 20′ (ID No. 0). After all four load outputs 21′ through 24′ on module 20′ have been linked to any switch 41 through 44 on any RAS module 40 in the network, the next switch activated on any RAS module is linked to load output 21 of module 20 with ID No. 1. The next RAS switch activated is linked to load output 22 of module 20 with ID No. 1, and so on until all desired switches are linked (not all switches need to be assigned). A minimum of one RAS switch must be linked to each POU load output 21-23. It is also possible to copy the linkage of a switch member, i.e. 41 with a load output 21 to another switch, i.e. 43. The result will be a three-way switch for load output 21.

Load outputs 21; 22; 23; and 24 as well as 21′; 22′; 23′; and 24′ are connected to loads that can be resistive (incandescent lamps) or reactive (a motor). Modules 20 and 20′ recognize the load impedance characteristics and make pertinent “choices”.Each module 20, or 20′, also includes a map (software tables or equivalent) with all the characteristics of the networked modules including their ID numbers. So that if one of the modules 20 or 20′ is replaced, the others continue to operate for the loads they control. In fact, all modules 20 and 20′ can be replaced and the network continues to operate since modules carry copies of the ID numbers table.

At power up, the master Point-Of-Use (POU) module 20′ looks for the identification designations of each of the slave modules 20, and Remote-Access-Switch modules 40. This is accomplished by sending a GET MODULE request message to the network. Initially, only one slave POU module shall answer. This first slave POU module 20 that answers does not have an assigned ID number and the CW (configuration wire) enables this with a ground signal. See diagram for simplified operation of the CW wire enabling feature in FIG. 3. If a new module is detected after a previous power up module discovery, an identification designation is assigned to the new modules. In one of the preferred embodiments, more than one switch member 41 through 44 of any RAS module 40 can be linked to a particular output load.

Each module 20 and 20′ has the information regarding the identification designations (in updated software tables) and switch member linkage stored. So that if one or more of modules 20 and 20′ is missing, the remaining upstream modules will continue to operate. However, if the master is missing or not functioning, no communication between LIN networks can take place. When a missing slave POU is replaced, by another slave POU, it is assigned the loads and is linked to the same RAS switches as the POU module that was previously in that location. A master POU module must be replaced by another master POU module.

In FIG. 4, an algorithm showing the method steps follows by the present invention. Upon start up, the master POU module 20 check to see if the network is running. If not, master POU module 20′ assigns itself ID number 0 and sends through CW wire a signal to ground to enable the first slave POU module 20 downstream to receive an ID No. Then, it sends a GET MODULE MODEL request message to identify and differentiate between the slave POU modules 20 and the RAS modules 40. If master POU module 20′ receive a “yes” answer then module 20′ assigns a new ID No. to this first slave POU module 20 downstream from master POU module 20′. The ID number to be assigned is the first one in the range assigned to POU modules and after assignment, a counter in master POU module is increased to the next available identification number for POUs. If the answer was a “No”,then master POU module 20′ knows that it is a RAS module 40 and assigns an identification number within the range reserved for RAS modules 40. The first module, after having been assigned ID No. 1, for instance, drives its own OUT CW signal to ground for enabling the next module 20 or 40 to receive an ID number, and loops back to send another GET MODULE MODEL request message. And so on. Then, if there is more than one output for master POU module 20′, the software in the master loops back to go through the branch associated with this next branch of the network.

At the end, the software (including data and instructions) residing in master POU module 20′ copies the LIN ID number table on each of the slave POU modules in the network, as seen in FIG. 4. In this matter, even if all the POU modules are removed, except one, the ID numbers allocation with the loads being associated with each module, can be reconstituted and the network continues to operate.

The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense. 

1) An apparatus for dynamically allocating, controlling and self-assigning addresses in a network for protecting circuit loads, comprising: A) a network having at least one branch configuration; B) an addressable master Point-Of-Use (POU) module having microprocessor means with associated means for storing data and instructions, having a unique pre-assigned hierarchical identification designation, and said master Point-Of-Use (POU) module including control signal input/output means for delivering and receiving data and instructions to and from said network including means for issuing unique identification designations upon receiving a first predetermined input signal, and further including at least one load output controlled through said microprocessor means; and C) at least one addressable remote switch access module having microprocessor means with associated means for storing data and instructions and data to and from said network, and each of said remote switch access modules including first input means and second output means for delivering and receiving data and instructions to and from said network, including means for acquiring a unique identification designation from said master module, and each of said remote access switch (RAS) modules further including at least one switch member linked to control at least one of said outputs of said master Point-Of-Use (POU) modules, wherein said remote access switch (RAS) modules are connected in series to form said at last one branch so that upon configuration power-up, said master Point-Of-Use (POU) module takes control over the network and starts issuing said identification designations to each of said remote access switch (RAS) modules sequentially through said at least one branch with the closest remote access switch (RAS) module receiving the next identification designation with the rest of the remote access switch (RAS) modules following afterwards and each of said at least one switch member being assigned sequentially, upon activation, to said at least one load output of said master Point-Of-Use (POU) modules. 2) The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said storage means are non-volatile. 3) The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein at least two of said switch members act as three-way switches by sharing the assignment of one of said load outputs. 4) The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said branches includes a first predetermined number of identification designations for said Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) modules, and the assignment of said identification designations takes place sequentially and downstream from said control signal first input/output means. 5) The apparatus set forth in claim 4 wherein said first input/output means includes configuration output means for sequentially enabling said modules connected downstream from said first input/output means to receive a unique identification designation. 6) An apparatus for dynamically allocating, controlling and self-assigning addresses in a network for protecting circuit loads, comprising: A) a network having at least one branch configuration; B) an addressable master Point-Of-Use (POU) module having microprocessor means with associated means for storing data and instructions, having a unique pre-assigned hierarchical identification designation, and said master Point-Of-Use (POU) module including first control signal input/output means for delivering and receiving data and instructions to and from said network including means for issuing unique identification designations upon receiving a first predetermined input signal, and further including at least one load output controlled through said microprocessor means; C) at least one addressable slave Point-Of-Use (POU) module each having microprocessor means with associated means for storing data and instructions, and having means for acquiring one of said unique identification designations from said master Point-Of-Use (POU) module, and each of said slave Point-Of-Use (POU) modules including second input/output means for delivering and receiving data and instructions to and from said network, and each of said slave Point-Of-Use (POU) modules further including at least one load output controlled through said microprocessor means; and D) at least one addressable remote switch access (RAS) module having microprocessor means with associated means for storing data and instructions and data to and from said network, and having means for acquiring one of said unique identification designations from said master Point-Of-Use (POU) module, and each of said remote switch access (RAS) modules including third input/output means for delivering and receiving data and instructions to and from said network including means for acquiring a unique identification designation from said master module, and each of said remote access switch (RAS) modules further including at least one switch member linked to control at least one of said load outputs of said master or slave Point-Of-Use (POU) modules, wherein said slave Point-Of-Use (POU) modules and remote access switch (RAS) modules are connected in series to form said at last one branch so that upon configuration power-up, said master Point-Of-Use (POU) module takes control over the network and starts issuing said identification designations first to itself and then to each of said slave Point-Of-Use (POU) and remote access switch (RAS) modules sequentially through said at least one branch with the closest slave POU module to said first control signal input/output means, and each of said at least one switch member being assigned sequentially, upon activation, to said at least one load output of said master and slave Point-Of-Use (POU) modules. 7) The apparatus set forth in claim 6 wherein said storage means are non-volatile. 8) The apparatus set forth in claim 7 wherein at least two of said switch members act as three-way switches by sharing the assignment of one of said load outputs. 9) The apparatus set forth in claim 8 wherein each of said branches includes a first predetermined number of identification designations for said slave POU modules and a second predetermined number of identification designations for said Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) modules, and the assignment of said identification designations takes place sequentially and downstream from said at least one control signal out means of said master POU starting with said slave POU module before starting with said Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) modules, and further including means for differentiating between said slave (POU) and remote access switch (RAS) modules to deliver the respective unique identification designation. 10) The apparatus set forth in claim 9 wherein said first input/output means includes configuration output means for sequentially enabling said modules connected downstream from said first input/output means to receive a unique identification designation. 11) A method for dynamically allocating, controlling and self-assigning addresses to Point-Of-Use (POU) and Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) modules for protecting circuit loads in a network with at least one branch, comprising the steps of: A) powering up a network comprising one programmable and addressable master Point-Of-Use (POU) module and at least one non-closed branch of at least one serially connected programmable Remote-Access-Switch (RAS) modules and said master and at least one of said RAS modules including a unique identification designation, said master Point-Of-Use (POU) module further including a control signal first input/output means at the end of each of said at least one branch and at least one load output, and each of said remote access switch (RAS) modules having at least one switch member, said remote access switch (RAS) modules having second input/output means daisy chain connected to said second input/output means downstream from said control signal first input/output means; B) assigning from said master Point-Of-Use (POU) module a unique identification designation to each of said Remote-Access-Switches (RAS) in a sequential order starting from the module that is closest to said master Point-Of-Use (POU) module's control signal first input/output means and continuing to the last module for each one of said at least one branch; C) actuating said at least one switch member to sequentially link said load outputs of said master Point-Of-Use (POU) module and recording this linking information in said master Point-Of-Use (POU) module so said linkage information is available for each of said modules and if one or more of said modules is missing in one of said branches, the remaining Remote-Access-Switches (RAS) modules will continue to function. 12) A method set forth in claim 11 wherein said network includes at least one addressable slave Point-Of-Use (POU) module. 13) The method set forth in claim 12 wherein further including the step of differentiating between said slave POU module and said RAS module before assigning a unique identification designation. 14) The method set forth in claim 13 wherein said designation identifications are divided for said slave POU and RAS modules. 15) The method set forth in claim 14 wherein two or more of said switch members are linked to the same load. 16) The method set forth in claim 15 wherein said identification designations and linkage of said load outputs to said switch members is sorted on each of said slave Point-Of-Use (POU) modules so that upon the removal of at least one, but not all, of said POU modules, one of the remaining POU can take over the functions of said master POU module and allocate the original identification designations and links to new replacement modules. 